Second Great Migration

Definition

The Second Great Migration refers to the mass movement of over five million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West between 1941 and 1970. This migration was a response to systemic racism, economic opportunities, and the search for a better quality of life, leading to significant demographic changes in the U.S. and influencing social, political, and cultural dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Migration saw African Americans leaving the South due to poor economic conditions, limited job opportunities, and oppressive Jim Crow laws.
2. Major destinations for migrants included cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles, where industrial jobs were more plentiful.
3. This migration resulted in a significant demographic shift, with African American populations increasing in urban areas, influencing culture through music, art, and cuisine.
4. The movement also played a crucial role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement, as returning migrants brought new ideas and demands for justice to their communities.
5. The Second Great Migration was marked by both hope for better opportunities and challenges such as discrimination in housing and employment in the new urban settings.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Migration reflect African American responses to systemic racism and discrimination?
  • The Second Great Migration was a direct response to the oppressive conditions created by systemic racism in the South, including discriminatory laws and economic disenfranchisement. African Americans sought refuge in northern and western cities where they hoped to find better job prospects and greater social freedom. This mass movement showcased their resilience and determination to escape oppressive environments, reflecting a broader struggle for dignity and equality.
• What role did economic opportunities play in driving the Second Great Migration, and how did this impact urban areas?
  • Economic opportunities were a major factor driving the Second Great Migration as World War II opened up numerous jobs in factories and industries across northern cities. As African Americans moved in search of these jobs, urban areas experienced significant population growth, leading to both economic revitalization and challenges such as overcrowded housing and increased competition for jobs. This influx contributed to the transformation of city demographics and labor markets during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Second Great Migration on both African American communities and American society as a whole.
  • The long-term effects of the Second Great Migration were profound for African American communities and American society overall. It not only reshaped demographics but also significantly influenced cultural expressions such as music genres like jazz and blues that flourished in urban centers. Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement by fostering community organization and activism among migrants who demanded equal rights. The migration changed perceptions of race relations in America, challenging existing norms and pushing for systemic changes that would define future social justice movements.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, creating an oppressive environment for African Americans.

Urbanization: The process by which cities grow as people move from rural areas to urban centers, often leading to significant social and economic changes.

Civil Rights Movement: A social and political movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing legal recognition and federal protection of the citizenship rights of African Americans.